Island Treasures: Jekyll Island Treasure Hunt 2024

This Event Happens:  January 1 - February 29, 2024

Every year, Jekyll Island commissions a group of highly skilled artisans from across the U.S. to create an array of stunning, handworked glass globes. During this two-month-long program, "Beach Buddies"  are responsible for hiding plastic replicas in various locations across the island for lucky visitors to find. The best part? This treasure hunt is 100% finders, keepers! If you're one of the lucky ones to find a plastic orb hidden around Jekyll Island, take it to the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center to trade it in for the real thing! 

Where did this fun tradition come from? Long ago, local fishermen would use glass floats to help identify and assist in the functionality of their fishing nets. Every now and then, a glass float would come loose from a net and would wash up on the shore of nearby beaches, becoming a treasure for beachcombers to find! 

Spend a day exploring Jekyll Island in January or February to find these beautiful glass orbs to take a token of the Golden Isles home with you. Want a sneak peek for where to look? Here's a map of where to find them!

Find out more about this annual event.